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Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu
4.7 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Encinitas, California
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gentleartsjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 760-704-7989
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–1 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I have seen many adults and kids come in to Gentle Arts new to jiu jitsu and they improve quickly under Francisco’s patient coaching.”
“There is a wide range of abilities and skills here and former world champions and top-ranked competitors are often training or teaching.”
“You will learn valuable life and self defense skills here from such a genuinely awesome and kind person.”
“Whether you’re brand new or experienced, Francisco meets you where you’re at—with patience, encouragement, and expert guidance.”
What members say
“Professor Francisco has been a great inspiration to many, including myself an amazing instructor and an even better person.”
“I’ve enjoyed excellent technical instruction here and Francisco fosters a welcoming, warm, and positive community.”
“Great Family environment if you’re trying to get a hobby with your Family and also if you’re trying to better in the competition aspect this is the place to be.”
“Training under Sinistro has significantly enriched my jiu-jitsu journey, introducing me to diverse techniques that have profoundly influenced my personal style.”
“There is a wide range of abilities and skills here and former world champions and top-ranked competitors are often training or teaching.”
“The academy is spotless, well-organized, and creates an uplifting atmosphere that makes every training session both motivating and fulfilling.”
From the reviews
I have been training at Gentle Arts JiuJitsu for nearly 3 years under Prof. Francisco “Sinistro” Iturralde. I find Francisco to be a kind, caring, and highly capable instructor. He purposefully maintains a safe environment that caters to hobbyists and competitors alike.
This is the first place that has truly felt like home. They say people don’t leave companies, they leave leadership. It’s no surprise to me that once people come here they don’t want to leave. I’m similar to many in that we had come from other places. The culture Professor “Sinistro” Iturralde has created is top notch.
I’ve been training with Professor Francisco since I moved to north county in 2021. I’ve enjoyed excellent technical instruction here and Francisco fosters a welcoming, warm, and positive community. There is jiu jitsu instruction 6 days a week and recently Francisco has added yoga to the schedule.
Training under Sinistro has significantly enriched my jiu-jitsu journey, introducing me to diverse techniques that have profoundly influenced my personal style. Training alongside esteemed practitioners like Mike Rodriguez, Rene, Johnny Tama, Sinistro’s brother Juan,Chris Wood, and Clark Gracie has further deepened my…
New to BJJ? Start at Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu
Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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